We have all experienced that piercing jolt as we bite into a scoop of ice cream or sip our morning coffee. Tooth sensitivity can be quite a nuisance, but have you ever considered why your tooth is sensitive to heat or cold? There can be different underlying causes, and understanding the issue is important to get the right treatment.
Teeth sensitivity is a common problem, but not everyone has it for the same reason. There are different causes of sensitive teeth, including:
Your gums are receding if you see that they are beginning to wear down or separate from your teeth. Receding gums can cause your teeth to become sensitive. If you are suffering from a gum recession, make sure to see your dentist and get a good diagnosis to ensure you do not have a more serious condition that requires expert treatment.
A healthy mouth requires twice-daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Inadequate dental care erodes your tooth enamel over time. Tooth sensitivity may result from the exposure of your dentin caused by damaged enamel.
You could feel some sensitivity throughout the teeth-whitening procedure, whether it's done at home or in a dental office. Active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the enamel to remove stains, are commonly found in whitening solutions. These substances may also cause irritation to the dentin's nerve endings, which would increase sensitivity by causing a greater reaction to stimuli.
Cracked teeth are another potential source of dental sensitivity. When a tooth breaks, the enamel covering that protects it may be weakened, revealing the dentinal tubules beneath and increasing the tooth's sensitivity to pressure, heat, and cold.
Many people have a tendency to grind their teeth unconsciously while they sleep or occasionally even during the day, which can erode tooth enamel and reveal dentin. This condition, known as bruxism, results in attrition from tooth-to-tooth contact.
Once the issue has been identified, your dentist may suggest the following:
Visit your dentist if your teeth are sensitive since the underlying cause can be minor to major. Your dentist will do a comprehensive examination to understand the root cause of the issue. The dentist may suggest root canal therapy, crowns, implants, fillings, or other procedures based on the underlying problem. If you have further concerns about teeth sensitivity, get in touch with our specialists at Riverside Family Dental. Give us a call at (586) 468-0983 to schedule an appointment.
